William gave up all pretence of separating himself from his beloved wife and they kissed and laughed for the next hours until they arrived in London. They immediately retreated to their rooms and were not seen for several days.
~*~
“I am glad we stayed extra days in Darcy House, Will. I was excited for our trip to commence but becoming your wife was more thrilling than I ever imagined possible.” Lizzy stated in their luxurious carriage, as she sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck to kiss his ear. “You are wonderful, my love.”
William laughed as he caressed his wife’s back and arm, “I knew you would be an incredible partner for life but I must admit that your accomplishment as a horsewoman is most appreciated when we are alone, Mrs. Darcy.” He kissed her neck and décolletage, “It is most unfortunate that I cannot share your best accomplishment with anyone else.”
Lizzy sat astride on her husband’s lap, “Oh, I only wish we could have stayed at Darcy House a few days longer.” She kissed him fervently again. “Five nights were too short in our early stage of marriage.”
“We have two nights at the inns before we reach Wales and we will thoroughly enjoy our holiday, Lizzy. Thank you for marrying me, wife. You have made me the happiest man in the world.” William smiled. “There is no reason we could not continue what we were doing at home right now.” He smirked to see her eyes brighten up. “Our journey this time will be certainly more entertaining than when we travelled to Darcy House after the wedding ceremony!”
The newlywed couple had no cause to repine their travel from London to Wales in their comfortable landau this time and anxiously awaited what wondrous adventures they would find during their trip.
~*~
September 1810
Lizzy rested her head against her husband’s arm as they stood on the ship to depart Ireland. She studied the compass that William had given her many years ago to see which way pointed home. “I cannot believe it is already time to return home, Will. It has been the most wonderful journey to be here with you and I am ever grateful that you were so considerate to have gingerroot candies and teas prepared for my seasickness.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, “The Old Library at Trinity College was the most amazing place I imagined and I love you with all of my heart for sharing with me many marvellous places.”
William laughed, “Do you suppose Lady Catherine is happily situated here in Ireland after Uncle Henry banished her to his small property here? Perhaps we should have made time to call on her while we were in this country since she will have no chance of ever leaving her small cottage.”
“Oh, Will, I feel sorry for her. She lost the beautiful seaside house because of her greed and she will never set foot in England again. Anne is doing better but still has only a few years to live and she will not see her mother again.” Lizzy replied with tears in her eyes. “But she brought her misery upon herself and she must live with the consequences. But I hope she finds contentment with her new location. It is a fresh start and not many get a second chance.”
William embraced his dear wife and kissed her temple as the ship began to sail for its journey back to England.
As the ship departed the port, Lizzy began to sway. William held her closely and commented, “Do you need another serving of ginger tea or lozenge? You do not look so good.”
“I took the same amount as last time and it had worked perfectly before,” Lizzy answered, “but I have not been feeling well for several days now. It should subside soon. It has been worse in the mornings for some reason but I will be well.”
William suddenly stiffened then rubbed her back before speaking. “Lizzy, I just realised that we have been married three months now and you... well, considering the activity that we are constantly engaged in... I think you might... is it possible that you are with child?”
Lizzy gasped, “Oh, Will! Could it be true?” She rubbed her abdomen, “Could I be carrying our child in here already? I did not think we would conceive so quickly. What kind of mother will I be?” Her eyes were teary.
“I... I am sorry, Lizzy, that I could not control myself,” William was concerned to see her in distress. “I did not think about the consequ...”
“Oh, hush, Will!” Lizzy slapped his arm, “We are married and we will have our child. It is to be celebrated and I am only worried that I will be a terrible mother, but I know you will be the best of fathers and I will rely on you to hire the best nurses and governesses to raise our nine children.” She laughed. “You and I will teach our sons and daughters how to fence and shoot and ride horses. We will be happy together and I am eager to be a mother. It will be yet another adventure to journey together, my love.”
William finally smiled, “Let us get you some more tea, Lizzy. I will need to coddle you more than ever. I suppose the honeymoon is truly over now.” He sighed, “It has been a wonderful three months, though.”
Lizzy giggled, “Aunt Madeline told me of the silly custom of wives denying husbands further pleasures but I do not think I could live without our intimacies, husband. We only... this morning... and it did no harm. Come, Mr. Darcy. I will need you to cosset me in our cabin and after my tea, you must lull me to a nice nap until we reach England.”
“At your service, your highness.” Fitzwilliam Darcy did as told, and they were secluded in their cabin for the next several hours.
Chapter 20/Epilogue
April 1811
“GEORGIANA! GEORGIANA HATSHEPSUT DARCY! Come down here
